|
 |
|
| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Riegelsville Bridge
| Delaware Road Over Delaware River | Riegelsville: Warren County, New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania | Metal Pony Truss Stiffening Wire Cable Suspension, Fixed | 1904 By Builder/Contractor: John A. Roebling Sons Company of New York, New York |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Main Span Length | Structure Length | Roadway Width | Main Spans | NBI Number |
| 2010 | 200 Feet (61 Meters) | 577 Feet (175.9 Meters) | 15.7 Feet (4.8 Meters) | 3 | 09741799910005 |
This bridge is a very unique and historically significant
bridge. Its design is unusual because it contains multiple, relatively short
suspension spans. Most suspension bridges that are familiar today are much
larger bridges that contains only two suspension towers. This bridge contains
four. This bridge has unusual and original floorbeams that have post-tension
bars built underneath the main built-up beams. Riegelsville Bridge also includes
lightweight double-warren stiffening truss. The bridge is also noteworthy and
significant for association with the bridge company formed by one of the most famous suspension bridge
builders, John Roebling.
This bridge is owned by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC). The DRJTBC has a unique commitment to maintaining the many historic bridges under its ownership, and working with the communities the bridges serve, and sets an example for the rest of the country to follow. The front page of their website often features a photo of a historic bridge, and their slogan is "Preserving Our Past, Enhancing Our Future." How many other road/bridge agencies in the United States promote their commitment to historic bridges in this way? Not many.
Not only is the DRJTBC an example of how money might be better spent in regards to non-toll bridges, the DRJTBC bridges are also a great reference when arguing that a historic bridge can be rehabilitated and can also safely continue to function as a vehicular crossing.
In 2010, this bridge was rehabilitated. The bridge received structural repairs, a fresh coat of paint, and other improvements. Low visual impact cable railings were added to the bridge, mounted on the stiffening truss. The engineering firm for the rehabilitation was Ammann and Whitney and the on-site contractor was Neshaminy Constructors, Inc.
Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge The 3-span cable suspension bridge supported on ashlar piers from earlier bridges was placed in 1904 to replace one lost in the great 1903 flood. The floor beams have kingpost post tensioning, which appears to be an original detail. When the bridge was completed, Prof. J.M. Porter of Lehigh Univ. questioned the adequacy of the design, and two, 1 3/4" cables were added to provide additional support. The bridge was made free in 1923, and it is owned by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The bridge was sensitively rehabilitated in 1984. The bridge is significant for its type and association with the Roeblings, and it is located in and contributing to a potential historic district. Discussion of Surrounding Area The bridge carries a two lane road over the Delaware River connecting the Pennsylvania and New Jersey portions of Riegelsville. The historic Riegel paper mill is on the east side of the river. Riegelsville is a potential historic district, on both sides of the river, and the bridge would be a contributing resource to it. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
Click on a thumbnail or gallery name below to visit that particular photo gallery. If videos are available, click on a video name to view and/or download that particular video.
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. For the best visual immersion and full detail, or for use as a desktop background, this gallery presents the photos for this bridge in the original digital camera resolution. |
|
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Mobile Optimized Gallery |
A collection of overview and detail photos. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem
(dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer
download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below.
Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer |
© Copyright 2003-2013, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
